let off
1. To allow someone to disembark from a mode of transportation. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "let" and "off." Hey, let me off! This is my stop! I'll be back to the station after I let off the rest of the passengers at the next stop.
2. To pardon, release, or allow someone to escape from blame or punishment. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "let" and "off." At first, Sam was suspected of stealing money from the safe, but he was let off after security camera footage showed it was someone else. Considering he completely destroyed Mr. Smith's hardware store and dang near killed a few people, I'm shocked they let him off with just three months in jail.
3. To grant someone a break or time off, as from work or other obligations. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "let" and "off." I've worked so much overtime lately that the boss is letting me off for a few days next week. Any chance you'll be let off work early today?
4. To release or emit something. I called the repair guy because the furnace suddenly stopped letting off heat last night. We dove for cover when we heard someone suddenly start letting off shots.
5. To cause something to detonate or discharge. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "let" and "off." Are you crazy? Don't let the fireworks off this close to the house! We all ran when we heard somebody start letting off their gun in the middle of the parking lot.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
let someone (get) off (something)
to permit someone to disembark, dismount, or leave something. Please move and let me get off the bus. Let her off!
let someone off (easy)
and let someone offto release or dismiss someone without punishment. The judge didn't let me off easy. The judge let off Mary with a warning.
let something off
to release something; to give something off. The engine let some evil smelling smoke off. The flower let off a wonderful smell.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
let off
v.1. To allow someone to disembark from a vehicle: My house is just down the street, but you can let me off at the corner. The bus driver let off the passengers at the terminal.
2. To excuse or pardon someone from something unpleasant, as punishment or work: I'm going to let you off this once, but if I catch you cheating again, you're going to be expelled. The police arrested the leader and let off the rest of the gang with only a warning.
3. To emit something, as heat, gas, or sound: The stove lets off a lot of heat.
4. To detonate or discharge something: The police officer let off a warning shot. We let a firecracker off in the park.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.